I found this site when searching for 8X57JR loading data and am glad I found you. I'm old, 75, and I have used drillings here in the mountains of Nevada since I was 12 to take mule deer, chukar partridge, sage grouse, forest grouse, and valley quail. When I was a kid the seasons all opened close to the same time. We seldom hunted deer only, since we could depend on kicking them out while hunting chukar or forest grouse (dusky, a variety of blue grouse that stay 7,000 feet or higher).
We do what you call "rough hunting" I believe. We walk up our birds in tough volcanic mountains and still hunt deer...slow constant movement while glassing. A drilling was just the ticket. I worked like a dog, gardening for a family friend one summer, and he gave me a Charles Daly/Sauer sidelock-side cock drilling in 12ga and 30-30. I've owned and traded well over 100 drillings in my lifetime. I get something that catches my eye at a good price and keep it until $ome want$ it more than I.
I shoot mostly drillings, buchsflinten, and SXS shotguns, almost all 16ga. At my age now I am looking for an affordable and light kiplauff.
I'll be dropping in and enjoying how you hunt...shoot...stalk.
